Pulsed signal therapy for musculoskeletal conditions
Sibley LM, Martin CW, Green C J, Bassett K, Kazanjian A
Record ID 32002000313
English
Authors' objectives:
This systematic review aimed to examine whether pulsed signal therapy (PST) provides a significant effectiveness and safety therapeutic advantage over other musculoskeletal-injury treatment devices that use magnetic pulses to induce electrical current in injured tissue.
Authors' results and conclusions:
Thirty-nine articles were identified and retrieved. Twelve of these were randomized controlled trials of therapy with a pulsed electromagnetic energy device. Of these, eleven trials were excluded because they were not studies of PST, but of other PEME devices. Only one of the identified trials was an assessment of PST. This trial was placebo-controlled and not a comparison with any other form of PEME.
Authors' recommendations:
The one included trial was an unpublished report of a study conducted in France in 1998. The sample used in this trial was small, and the analysis performed was without adjustment for multiple comparisons examining significant outcomes. The reviewers agree with the study authors that no valid conclusions can be drawn from this trial. Larger, longer, and better-conducted RCTs are needed to establish effectiveness of PST versus placebo at treating the symptoms of osteoarthritis of the neck or knee.
Authors' methods:
Systematic review
Details
Project Status:
Completed
URL for project:
http://www.chspr.ubc.ca/bcohta/
Year Published:
2001
English language abstract:
An English language summary is available
Publication Type:
Not Assigned
Country:
Canada
MeSH Terms
- Electromagnetic Fields
- Electromagnetic Phenomena
- Musculoskeletal Diseases
Contact
Organisation Name:
British Columbia Office of Health Technology Assessment
Contact Address:
B. C. Office of Health Technology Assessment, Centre for Health Services and Policy Research, S-184 Koerner Pavilion, 2211 Wesbrook Mall, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, B. C., V6T 1Z3, Canada.
Copyright:
BCOHTA
This is a bibliographic record of a published health technology assessment from a member of INAHTA or other HTA producer. No evaluation of the quality of this assessment has been made for the HTA database.